Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security is seeking public input in the County’s disaster planning. Over the course of 2010, the County is working with its partners to update the County Emergency Operations Plan (CEOP) and would like to encourage Johnson County citizens to become involved with the planning process.
Additionally, the second of four public meetings is being held Tuesday, May 25th at 6:00pm to allow citizens to contribute to the planning process in an open forum. To register for this or future meetings click here for the online registration form. If members of the public are unable to physically attend the meeting they also have the option of participating online (click here to register).
For more information about the emergency planning process, please visit www.jocoem.org.
Definition
Emergency management is the managerial function charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.
Vision
Emergency management seeks to promote safer, less vulnerable communities with the capacity to cope with hazards and disasters.
Mission
Emergency management protects communities by coordinating and integrating all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the capability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from threatened or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters.
Principles
Emergency Management must be:
2. Progressive – emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.
3. Risk-driven – emergency managers use sound risk management principles (hazard identification, risk analysis, and impact analysis) in assigning priorities and resources.
4. Integrated – emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community.
5. Collaborative – emergency managers create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
6. Coordinated – emergency managers synchronize the activities of all relevant stakeholders to achieve a common purpose.
7. Flexible – emergency managers use creative and innovative approaches in solving disaster challenges. Professional – emergency managers value a science and knowledge-based approach based on education, training, experience, ethical practice, public stewardship and continuous improvement.
For more information about local emergency management, click here.
County offers tips for emergency preparedness |  |  |  |
| Community |
| Written by Allison Kohn |
| Wednesday, 12 May 2010 01:00 |
| Thunderstorms and tornados are as much a part of spring in Kansas as daffodils and robins. Emergency officials have some advice to keep Kansas families safe. 1. Be informed. From understanding the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning to keeping an eye on the weather channel, be aware of when your safety is potentially in danger and any threats the weather may pose. “Awareness goes a long way,” said Adam Crowe, assistant director, community preparedness, for Johnson County Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “Between March and August, it is a critical time for the community to be aware of the weather, understand what’s happening and understand when their safety is at risk.” The agency works to ensure citizens are safe during emergencies, but the community must take an active role as well. “We try to make sure citizens of Johnson County are ready to respond to any situation and they understand what they can do to respond,” Crowe said. “Being a part of the community involves being self-reliant.” 2. Be prepared. Crowe said all families and individuals should have a plan. Determine where you, your children and your pets will go during severe weather. If a tornado is approaching, seek shelter as low as possible and as interior as possible, staying away from windows. For families with small children, explain emergency weather procedures before severe weather hits. “Think in advance what needs the child might have,” Crowe said. “Think of what food or clothes might be needed. You shouldn’t run around last minute to gather the necessary items.” Senior citizens, especially those living alone, should also, in advance, consider what special medications or other items might be needed. “It’s most important that senior citizens stay aware of what’s going on,” Crowe said. “Although they might have a lot of experience with severe weather throughout the years, they must remain aware of any threats in the area and be able to move efficiently into a safe shelter area.” Pet owners should have medications or other necessary items on hand in the event of severe weather. Crowe advises that outdoor pets be brought inside and kept in a safe part of the house. 3. Make a kit. Everyone, regardless of age, should always have an emergency kit ready in the event of severe weather. When preparing your emergency kit, be sure to include ready-to-eat food and bottles of water, a first aid kit, a functional radio with batteries, cash, blankets, extra shoes, copies of critical documents, personal hygiene items, and special medications. “The risk is the same across the board,” Crowe said. “No group is ever at a greater risk than anyone else. Always be prepared, whether there are small children in the family, pets or you live alone.” Residents can receive text messages about severe weather and other emergencies by texting “Follow JOCOAlert” to 40404. The JOCOAlert system also sends out emergency messages through Twitter. Johnson County Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security also offers special training to the community. “We educate, train and promote ways to respond to all emergencies,” Crowe said. “Any preparedness can reduce the impact of severe weather significantly.” For information, visit www.jocoem.org or call 782-3038. |
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano announced today the fiscal year 2010 Preparedness Grants for nine federal programs—including $250,000 to Johnson County for the renovation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
“We are very pleased to receive this preparedness grant,” said Nick Crossley, Director of Johnson County Emergency Management & Homeland Security, “these funds will help Johnson County make the necessary additions and adjustments to ensure that Johnson County continues to be one of the best prepared communities for all emergencies and disasters.”
Overall, DHS awarded $57.6 million as part of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant program to various jurisdictions throughout the country. Johnson County was one of twenty jurisdictions who received the grant award through a competitive basis.
“These grants play a major role in our efforts to work with our state, local, tribal and territorial and private sector partners to build a national culture of readiness and resilience,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We continue to focus on maximizing efficiency and value while prioritizing risk in awarding grants to strengthen our nation’s security.”
These grant monies will be used to make physical changes to the Johnson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and purchase necessary equipment and technology to improve the resiliency and robustness of all EOC activities.
